NELCRUM Solutions
Strategic Advisory

Evidence-based advice for the decisions you are accountable for.

We partner with foundations, nonprofits, and community institutions on strategy, governance, programs, research, and funding. Rigorous social science, translated into practical moves you can act on.

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How we work

From diagnosis to durable capacity.

We don't start with a proposal; we start with evidence. Every engagement moves through the same arc: understand where you really stand, decide what matters most, then build the capacity to sustain it.

01 · Diagnose

See clearly, with evidence

We map where your organization actually stands, through data, candid conversation, and our own diagnostic tools, not assumptions.

02 · Plan

Decide what matters most

We translate findings into a prioritized, realistic roadmap: the few moves that will move the needle, sequenced for your stage and capacity.

03 · Build capacity

Put it into practice

We work alongside your team to strengthen strategy, governance, systems, and skills, so the gains outlast the engagement. Funding readiness follows naturally.

What we do

Advisory across the full arc of mission-driven work.

Organizational & Nonprofit Advisory

by need

Board governance, strategic planning, program development, and grant management: the strategy and capacity behind every mission that lasts.

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Grant Research

$2,500

Detailed prospect research to identify up to 20 viable funding opportunities aligned to your mission, plus a tailored grants calendar.

Grant & Proposal Writing

by scope

Competitive, funder-tailored proposals, from statement of need and master template to a reusable grant-language repository and submission.

Document & Compliance Review

1–3 hrs

A comprehensive review against the funder's guidelines, with line-item edits and clear notes to strengthen your case for funding.

Grant Readiness Assessment

Free

We assess your organization and compile a detailed action plan that makes you ready to pursue and manage funding with confidence. Free for every organization we work with.

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Program Evaluation

Pillar

Formative, summative, and developmental evaluation, theory of change, outcome measurement, and independent third-party studies.

See evaluation services →
How fees work
Every custom engagement starts with a $350 strategy consultation: 90 minutes with a principal and a written action memo you keep, whether or not you hire us. Fixed-price packages can be booked directly. Fees flex with the size and stage of your organization.
Research & Evaluation

Proof that your work works.

Evaluation is a core capability, not an add-on. We design the study, collect the data, run the analysis, and hand you evidence a board, a funder, or an independent reviewer will trust, and we leave your team able to keep measuring.

01
Program evaluation
Formative and summative studies that show whether a program works and where to improve it.
02
Developmental evaluation
Real-time feedback for programs still taking shape, so you can adapt as you learn.
03
Theory of change & logic models
A clear map from activities to outcomes that funders and boards can follow.
04
Outcome & impact measurement
Defined measures that capture real change, not just activity counts.
05
Data collection & survey design
Instruments and protocols built to produce clean, credible data.
06
Qualitative analysis
Interviews and focus groups, coded and synthesized into themes you can act on.
07
Quantitative & statistical analysis
Rigorous analysis that stands up to funder and peer scrutiny.
08
Independent / third-party
External evaluation for grants that require an arm's-length reviewer.
09
Evaluation capacity building
We leave your staff able to measure, interpret, and report on their own.
Need an independent evaluator for a grant?
We serve as an external, arm's-length evaluator for funders and grantees when the award requires one.
Talk to us about evaluation →
Free resource

The nonprofit policy checklist

The governance and financial policies every nonprofit should have, with what a strong version of each should cover.

See the checklist →
Free tools

Grant readiness & research tools

Score your readiness or build a funding-research brief in minutes. The best way to start a conversation with us.

Open the tools →

Start with a strategy consultation.

Tell us where your organization is headed. We will be honest about where we can add the most value.

Book a consultation →